PSO2

Shougai PSO has posted a summary of the latest Phantasy Star Online 2 information from the July 27th edition of Famitsu Connect! On and July 28th edition of Famitsu. This summary includes important information about the game servers and game mechanics. Credit goes to EspioKaos for providing the following translations:

Game Server Information

There will be several servers, each known as a "world."

Each world is independent of the others.

Different worlds cannot interact with each other.

Essentially worlds are as they were in PSU. (EK note: Though they are now known as "entrances," originally they were called "worlds.")

When you start the game, you can choose the world you want to belong to.

You can create characters on multiple worlds.

They are considering the ability to move a character from one world to another as a future possibility.

If you want to play with your friends, make sure you all decide on a world to start on!

Races

There are three races, however...

Sakai says, "this is an online game, after all, so we could always decide to increase that number."

Skill Tree

This system is used to learn class skills.

EXP earned goes toward increasing your class level.

You accumulate points by leveling up.

By using these points, you can learn class skills.

Class skills can only be used on the class you learned them with.

For example, a skill learned as a Hunter cannot be used by a Force.

Even if you max your class level, you cannot learn all skills.

You will have a limited number of points to put toward skills, so individual skill combinations will vary.

The ability to redo learned skills is under consideration.

Wired Lances

This weapon cannot be used to throw larger enemies.

Rods

You can link three techniques to a rod.

Only linked techniques can be charged (for stronger attacks).

A technique's power, range and effect change when charged.

PP cost does not change for charged techniques.

Photon Arts and Techniques

Disks are used to learn photon arts and techniques.

Disks have certain learning requirements.

Requirements are stat-related, for example, one may require 50+ TP.

Unlike PSU, there will not be a limit on the number of PAs or techs you can learn.

It is undecided if you will be able to return a learned PA or tech to its disk form.

The ability to transfer disks to other players (such as through disk restoration) is under consideration.

Disks will appear with the level they teach displayed. For example, "Razonde (LV3)."

High-level disks will of course be very powerful.

High-level disks can be obtained as enemy drops.

Low-level disks will include tutorials.

Low-level disks can be bought at shops.

Jumping

You can perform common and just attacks while jumping.

It is unknown how photon arts will work while jumping.

Techniques and original combos will change while jumping.

Range changes will occur while jumping, for example with original combos.

You can jump on the backs of enemies.

Most enemies have a weak spot on their back.

There are some enemies that, if not knocked down, you will not be able to jump on their backs.

On the other hand, there are other enemies that, even if not knocked down, you can still jump on their backs.

Original Combos

You can set different photon arts to the three parts of a combo.

Combined PAs will let you pull of three-part combos. For example, Tornado Break to Spinning Break to Gravity Break. Also, you can perform normal attacks between all of those.

Interrupt Events

Event occurrence locations are not set in stone.

There are some rare events which can occur.

Due to the wide range of enemy levels you will encounter, expect drastic changes between difficulty levels.

Even if you fail an event by not meeting all of its conditions, you will not suffer a penalty.

You will receive items and so forth for successfully completing an event.

Death Penalties

If you are incapacitated, your individual grade will fall.

Results are on a character-by-character basis. For example, if Mr. A dies, Mr. B's grade will not be affected.

In short, you don't have to worry about being blamed for giving your party a bad grade!

PSE and PSE Burst

There is a new component known as "photon sensitive effect."

There is a fixed probability of PSE occurring while you continuously defeat enemies.

Attack power, drop rates and Meseta drop quantities are all boosted for a fixed period when PSE occurs.

If you acquire an "evolved drop" (details unknown) from killing an enemy, you get even more boosted attack power, drop rates and Meseta payout.

If consecutive PSEs occur, you can perform a "PSE burst."

Bonuses from a PSE burst last for one minute and include even higher drop rates and highly increased number of enemies that appear.

You can extend the PSE burst's duration by killing more and more enemies.

Multi-Party Areas

Certain areas allow for up to 12 people to play together simultaneously.

However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you are limited to three parties of four people each.

For example, 12 individual solo players can all gather in these areas.

It is possible to reorganize your party in a multi-party area.

For example, if you have three parties of four people each, players from each party can transfer from one party to another.

At first you can have the following parties: A1 A2 A3 A4 / B1 B2 B3 B4 / C1 C2 C3 C4

Whether or not you receive EXP is determined by your range to an enemy.

If you are within the enemy's range, you will receive EXP.

If you are out of an enemy's range, you will not receive EXP.

This may be a counter-measure for multi-party leveling.

Visual Lobbies

Event billboards will be in the lobbies.

There will also be a large screen theater.

Motion pictures of some sort can be played on the theater screen.

This feature will be active during the alpha test.

Player Rooms

A feature similar to PSU's room will be in PSO2, but details are unknown.

Reincarnation System

A system of this sort does not exist. No comment was made as to if it would be added later.

Note: The Reincarnation System is a game feature from Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity. After reaching the maximum level, you could reincarnate your character at level 1 and start with higher base stats.

That is quite the information dump! You can share your comments on this new information in this forum thread.

After the Media Briefing concluded today, the Japanese Phantasy Star Online 2 website received a large update, including several screenshots and a new gameplay video. The Gallery page features several screenshots of new enemies, gameplay, and the character creation process. The new video features an overview of several gameplay features. It is definitely worth checking out!

Earlier today, a Media Briefing for Phantasy Star Online 2 was held on the Nico Nico website. Hosted by Satoshi Sakai, this briefing gave an excellent overview of the character creation process and provided us with exciting new details about the game. Here are some of the highlights:

Character Creation

During the briefing, the character creator received significant attention. After picking a race and profession, you will be able to adjust your character's ear, nose, eye, mouth, bust, leg, and arm sizes. Screens for adding tattoos and beards were shown. If the screenshots are accurate, you will be able to create a FOcast in Phantasy Star Online 2!

HUnewearl Customization

HUmar Customization

CAST Job Selection. The FOcast is on the right.

Several videos of the character creator are available in this forum thread.

Lobby System

Phantasy Star Online 2 feature an online lobby system. From the lobbies, players will be able to jump into missions.

Lobby Area

Gameplay Details

From the briefing's gameplay segments, we learned the following information:

There will be multiple party areas. Up to 12 players can play in these areas.

Casts will have the ability to hover and skate.

Hunters can use a whip-like weapon to throw enemies around.

Easier than Walking

Stages and Enemies

Several new enemies and gameplay areas were introduced in today's briefing. Included among the enemies was the standard fire-breathing Dragon. What is unique about this variation is that you'll be able to jump on the Dragon's back and attack it!

It wouldn't be Phantasy Star without a Dragon

More Enemies

Skill Customization

You will be able to increase your character's fighting abilities by increasing your class level. This will help unlock new skills and abilities.

Skill Tree

This is only some of the highlights from today's briefing. For additional information, be sure to check out the Phantasy Star Online 2 forum! You'll be able to view several videos from today's briefing in this forum thread.

A brand new set of screenshots from Phantasy Star Online 2 has been released in this week's official Japanese newsletter! (Check the link for a full translation.) Let's waste no more time and take a gander! Be sure to click on the screenshots to view larger versions.

A HUnewearl shows off a new weapon category.

The frighteningly huge Rockbear!

It's a group effort!

That's not all, however! The newsletter also revealed that a PSO2 media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, complete with a live broadcast on the Japanese video-sharing site Niconico Douga! Look forward to new videos, screens and information!

Join in the discussion (and speculation) of these new screens in Angelo's thread at the forum. And stay tuned for more information to come from next week's media briefing!

Three new Phantasy Star Online 2 screenshots were released today in the latest copy of the official Japanese email list. These screenshots feature the FOmar, FOmarl, and Rappies! Be sure to click on the pictures to view larger versions.

A FOmarl casts a spell

A FOmar attacks an enemy with a cane.

There had been some speculation on the forums that the Force class may not exist in Phantasy Star Online 2. Thankfully, that is not the case.

These are the creepiest Rappies I have ever seen.

Credit goes to Mike for bringing us this news. You can discuss these screenshots in this forum thread.

New character screenshots were recently released for the RAmarl and RAcast classes in Phantasy Star Online 2!

RAmarl and RAcast

Both character designs draw on their Phantasy Star Online roots, while incorporating design aesthetics from Phantasy Star Universe. It will be interesting to see clothing customization options for these classes.

Credit goes to Mike for bringing us this news. You can discuss these screenshots in this forum thread.

The Japanese Phantasy Star Online 2 webpage was updated today with a high-resolution version of the video first seen at Infinity Gran Prix Event. To view the video, go to the Phantasy Star Online 2 webpage, scroll to the bottom, and click on the "Movie" link. Alternatively, you can view the movie directly at this link. Even if you watched the original video from a few days ago, this version is definitely worth looking at. It gives a clean, detailed look at the character designs, storyline, user interface, and gameplay footage for Rangers and Hunters.

The first gameplay videos and screenshots from Phantasy Star Online 2 were revealed to the public earlier today at the Japanese Infinity Gran Prix event. You can view the video below or on this Livestream page.

Jump to the 1 hour 59 minute mark to see the PSO2 Gameplay Video.

Based on the text in the video, Phantasy Star Online 2 will include:

Randomized dungeons

Weather Effects

Third-Person Shooting Mode for Shooting

Jumping

Random Mission Events

HUnewearl

In addition, the 4gamer website has several high-resolution screenshots! The screenshots feature close-ups of the user-interface, character designs, and cut-in-chat. If you look closely, you'll see Section IDs on the player outfits! You can the screenshots here and on the 4gamer website.

Four players in a Forest setting

Credit goes to xBladeM6x for providing the video link and Mike for providing links to the screenshots. You can join in on the discussion in this forum thread!

Earlier today in Japan at the "Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity Nationwide Fan Thanks Festival 2011 sponsored by Caloriemate," SonicTeam announced that the alpha test for Phantasy Star Online 2 will begin this summer! Entry into the test will not be open; instead, all participants will be selected by lottery. And your first chance at putting your name into the drawing will be by purchasing Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity, which will be released in Japan on February 24. The first printings of the game will include a special code inside the box as designated by a yellow sticker on the outside of the case. This code is required to enter yourself into the alpha test drawing. Keep in mind that only the UMD release of PSP2i will feature this code; the download version will not include the code. Furthermore, Japanese Phantasy Star Universe and previously-subscribed Phantasy Star Online Blue Burst players will have a chance at getting into the test, as codes will be distributed to them, too. Specific details on this method of code distribution will be made public at a later date.

Update (February 7): Details on the alternate methods of obtaining an alpha test lottery code for Japanese PSU and PSOBB players have been announced!

If you purchased a Hunters License for the Japanese version of Blue Burst at any point between January 1, 2010, and November 30, 2010, then you will receive a lottery code at a later date through the e-mail address you registered with your account. However, if you registered and play via the Hangame version, you will not be included.

Japanese PC/PS2 Phantasy Star Universe players will have three chances at getting a code, as they will be distributed to eligible players in three different batches. Here are the dates of distribution along with the requirements for each.

February 24: You must be a premium course player on February 20 or you must have bought 3,000 GC (or more) between January 1 and February 20.

Early April: You must be a premium course player on March 31 or you must have bought 3,000 GC (or more) between February 21 and March 31.

Early May: You must be a premium course player on April 30 or you must have bought 3,000 GC (or more) between April 1 and April 30.

As before, codes will be sent to eligible players via e-mail. Also, this offer does not extend to those who subscribe to the game through Hangame or those who play the Xbox 360 version. And finally, even if you meet more than one requirement, you will not be sent more than one lottery code. Good luck to all eligible players!

We're all stuck playing the waiting game as we jump at any tiny bit of information or news on Phantasy Star Online 2. Well, a little bit of info came to light recently. Don't jump too high, though! We may have a few more months to go before real news starts to surface.

From the most recent issue of Dengeki Games and via the news site Shougai PSO, an interview with Producer Sakai, Senior Director Terada and Director Suganuma has shed a little more light on PSO2

Development of PSO2 has been running alongside PSP2 Infinity, so the game is further along in development than some people likely think.

Some kind of announcement may be made around the end of April, during the finals of the Infinity Grand Prix.

PSO2 will not be set in either Ragol or Gurhal. Instead, look forward to an even larger setting with numerous planets as indicated by the game's logo.

And... that's all for now. It's not much to work with, but it's definitely a start. Join in the discussion of this news in this thread!